Activist Priest Olivares Stricken With Meningitis

Father Luis Olivares, the controversial pastor of historic Our Lady Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church, was reported in serious but stable condition at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Tuesday, where he is undergoing treatment for meningitis.

Olivares, a strong champion on behalf of illegal immigrants and Central-American refugees, apparently contracted the viral disease during one of his trips to Central America, a hospital spokesman said. The priest has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks.

Close friends, who said his health has been damaged in recent years by numerous maladies, including diabetes, ulcers and bouts of hepatitis, expressed deep concern over his weakened condition. A hospital spokesman said Olivares’ condition is being watched “very carefully” but that “he is holding his own.”